Watch Out for Invasive Species!

What are they?

Invasive species are plants or animals that don’t belong here. They spread quickly, take over the land, and push out native plants and animals.

Why it matters:

• They reduce biodiversity and threaten local wildlife

• They can be very costly—in the U.S., invasives cause billions of dollars in damage every year!

How do they spread?

• People planting non-native plants in gardens or for erosion control

• Birds and animals carrying seeds to new areas

What we’re doing at O.S. Gray:

The biggest plant invader here is privet. Our volunteers and park staff remove it by:

• Pulling it up by the roots

• Cutting it and treating the stumps

This helps native plants grow and wildlife thrive.

Some of the other invasive plants regularly seen at O.S. Gray Natural Area include nandina (aka heavenly bamboo), Bradford pears, non-native lantana (the only Texas native is lantana urticoides), among others. Just because a plant is sold at a store or nursery, doesn’t mean it is a good plant to put in your garden! Many invasives are sold in nurseries, so shop carefully to prevent further introduction of harmful species.

Learn more about Texas’ invasive plants:
 www.texasinvasives.org

For information about native Texas plants and their benefits, as well as more info about invasives, check out the Native Plant Society of Texas:
https://www.npsot.org/